Viral diet trends may hamper heart recovery, warn doctors

Lucknow: Cardiologists have warned heart patients against blindly following popular diet trends such as ketogenic (keto) diets, intermittent fasting and high-protein regimens promoted on social media.On the eve of World Heart Day, doctors said such restrictive eating patterns, though often marketed as quick solutions for weight loss, can be unsuitable and even risky for individuals recovering from heart disease.Experts at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) and Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) have observed a growing tendency among cardiac patients to seek dietary guidance from social media influencers, internet videos and gym trainers rather than qualified healthcare professionals.According to Prof Pravesh Vishwakarma of KGMU, self-directed dietary restrictions have become increasingly common, particularly among urban patients. He estimated that nearly half of the heart patients visiting the OPD follow some form of restrictive diet without medical supervision. Similar patterns have also been reported at SGPGIMS and RMLIMS.Doctors emphasised that while diets such as keto and intermittent fasting may help some people lose weight, they are not universally safe for heart patients. Experts stressed that nutritional needs vary from person to person depending on age, medical condition, medications and overall health status.“Heart patients should not abruptly switch to a restrictive diet without consulting a cardiologist and nutrition expert,” Vishwakarma said. He added that excessively restrictive eating plans can reduce energy levels, making it difficult for patients to participate in exercise programmes and cardiac rehabilitation, both of which are essential for recovery after a heart attack.Prof Aditya Kapoor, head of cardiology at SGPGIMS, said factors such as the severity of heart disease, diabetes, kidney function, medications and nutritional status must be considered before adopting any specialised diet.He warned that prolonged fasting and severe carbohydrate restriction can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and disruptions in medication schedules.Kapoor noted that patients with advanced heart failure, unstable cardiac conditions, significant kidney disease or diabetes should avoid such diets unless they are under strict medical supervision. He also cautioned against rapid weight-loss strategies after a cardiac event, saying severe calorie restriction can result in muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic complications.Cardiologists also expressed concern over the increasing use of dietary supplements and high-protein products promoted online. Such supplements can interfere with heart medications and affect blood pressure, heart rhythm, bleeding risk and kidney function.Prof Bhuwan Chand Tiwari, head of cardiology at RMLIMS, said most heart attack survivors can return to normal life through proper treatment, balanced nutrition and structured cardiac rehabilitation. The key, he said, is to avoid extreme diets and focus on sustainable, medically supervised lifestyle changes that support long-term heart health.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in LucknowStay updated with the latest Lucknow news. Download the TOI App.